France Telecom's Orange is to start selling the iPhone to UK subscribers later this year.

The company has yet to tell us the date, or pricing plans. But it did issue a short statement which confirmed an agreement with Apple to, "bring iPhone 3G and 3GS to Orange UK customers later this year. Orange globally now offers iPhone in 28 countries and territories."

The news will be a blow for O2, which has enjoyed a two-year exclusive distribution deal for Apple's mobile. Orange has been selling the handsets in France since 2007.

Orange UK said it would be selling the handset through all its direct channels, as well as with "selected High Street partners".

That's about all we can tell you.

But if you're a fanboi with an Orange contract that's probably all you need to know. There is a website to pre-register here. ®